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Chef Eric Bulpitt on Hermanus

The owner of the restaurant at Newton Johnson, 38, on the best wine, coffee and food in Hermanus.

I was born in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and moved to Cape Town in my teens.The thing I love most about living in the Cape is its natural beauty.When out-of-towners come to town, I take them to Marianas in Stanford – it’s a great place and the town is lovely and quaint. Also, walks on any of our beautiful beaches and along the vineyards are a must for visitors.The best restaurant meal I’ve eaten recently was at Chefs Warehouse – Liam [Tomlin] is very talented. Springfontein Eats also has great food.Another restaurant I enjoy is Just Pure Bistro in Hermanus and I always order the croque-madame.Annual Cape Town events I always attend are Taste of Cape Town and the Eat Out AwardsMy favourite weekend getaway is Elandskloof Guest Farm in Greyton. It’s self-catering and there’s no cellphone reception, which is great if you just want to unplug and have some quality time, make a braai, have some wine and enjoy the nature.On my bucket list is dinner at The Test Kitchen with the wife, but we are so busy and we have a newborn so we don’t get a lot of free time.The best coffee in Hermanus is from The Beanery – Michael Bayer makes a fantastic roast.The best walks in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are everywhere!I tried the Banting diet. I get it, but I missed bread too much, so I decided to ditch it. I could always exercise instead, but I do get the point of it to a degree.Good wines for a special occasion are Gabrielskloof viognier. That said, Newton Johnson’s pinot noir is my favourite, and I also like Hamilton Russell’s pinot noir.Every (good) chef should have a deep passion for food (respect and appreciate the raw ingredients and the cooking process), be driven and compassionate, and have a heart of servitude.On Sundays I have bubbly after service. Money is not everything; happiness is.Straight after this, I’m going to go and have some more wine – it’s my day off.When I wake up in the middle of the night I check on my baby.One day I’ll have my own Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry.

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Time of publication: 23 April 2015

Win a Wine-Paired Lunch for Four at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate Worth R2 500